Many people think traveling while in debt is like trying to ride a unicycle on a tightrope impossible and slightly terrifying. But with the right strategies, you can see the world without going broke or getting thrown off that tightrope.
If you want to travel more, spend less, and pay off debt, here’s how to make your wanderlust work for your wallet (and not against your sanity).
1. Set a Realistic Travel Budget
Before booking any trip, check your bank account. Allocate a portion of your income for travel without neglecting debt payments. Automate your repayments nothing ruins a vacation faster than a debt collector showing up in your Instagram feed.
Travel budget tips
Example: If you earn £3,000/month and pay £1,000 toward debt, maybe allocate £200 for travel and £100 for a fun fund. Even a few hundred pounds can go far if you use tips later in this post.
TIPS: If you’re looking for a simple way to keep your travel spending under control (and avoid those nasty “surprise” fees banks love to spring on you abroad), the Monzo card is a lifesaver. I use it for all my travel expenses it tracks every penny in real time, gives me great exchange rates, and even lets me set budgets so I don’t blow my accommodation money on croissants and cocktails.
Get your own Monzo card click below:
Tools/Resources:
- YNAB (You Need A Budget) – helps you allocate funds for travel and debt.
- Mint – tracks expenses and sets savings goals automatically.
2. Take Advantage of Travel Deals
Sites like LastMinute.com, On the beach, Nuco Travel Ski holidays, Trip.com, Skyscanner, and Google Flights are your best friends. Sign up for alerts, be flexible with dates, and act fast deals disappear faster than your motivation to go back to the gym.
Cheap flights
Example: I once snagged a last-minute flight to Luxembourg for just £48—cheaper than dinner for two in London (and without the awkward fight over who’s paying the bill). It turned into an unforgettable girls’ trip filled with pastries, castles, and way too much laughing.
3. Travel During Off-Peak Seasons, travel tips
Want cheaper flights and fewer tourists taking 47 selfies per second? Travel in shoulder seasons like spring or fall. You’ll save money, avoid crowds, and finally get that Instagram shot without photobombing tourists.
Example: A trip to Paris in March cost me half the price of a July visit, but the Eiffel Tower still looked magical (and I didn’t nearly get run over by tour buses).
4. Choose Low-Cost Destinations
Budget travel countries
Some countries make your money feel like it has superpowers. Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe offer incredible experiences for a fraction of Western Europe or the U.S. budget.
Example: I spent £25/day in Vietnam for food, accommodation, and transport. Compare that to £150/day in London for the same experience.
Additional Tools/Resources:
- Nomad List – find cheap destinations based on cost of living and quality of life.
- Budget Your Trip – calculate daily travel costs for countries worldwide.
5. Secure Alternative Accommodation
Cheap accommodation options
Why pay for a fancy hotel when you can:
- Stay in Airbnb (sometimes nicer than hotels)
- Couchsurf like a modern pirate (minus the treasure hunting)
- Volunteer with TrustedHousesitters or Workaway and get free lodging in exchange for mild labor.
Example: My bestie stayed in a beachfront villa in Bali for free by volunteering 4 hours/day on Workaway, leaving her plenty of time for snorkeling and trying local food.
6. Utilise Travel Rewards and credit card Points
Credit cards aren’t evil they’re just misunderstood. Use travel credit cards and frequent flyer programs to save money. Pay off your balance in full, or you’ll end up paying more in interest than your entire trip cost.
Example: I earned 50,000 points from a credit card by paying for groceries and gas, which covered a round-trip flight to Spain.
Some popular cards to consider:
- British Airways Visa Signature Card – Fly to London like a fancy millennial.
- Virgin Atlantic Reward Card – Points that make you feel like a VIP, even if your bank account screams otherwise.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred Card – Because your sapphire deserves points.
- American Express Gold Card – Gold isn’t just for jewellery.
- World Elite Mastercard – Elite sounds fancy, doesn’t it?
- Barclays Card – For the globetrotter who likes options.
7. Generate Extra Income for Travel
How to make extra money for travel
Side hustles are your secret weapon. Freelancing, tutoring, or selling stuff online can add extra funds for adventures. Even small amounts accumulate think of it as planting money trees for your next trip.
Tools/Resources:
- Fiverr – freelance your skills.
- Etsy – sell crafts, digital prints, or travel-inspired products.
- Upwork – find freelance work from anywhere.
8. Cut Nonessential Expenses
Budget-friendly tips
Take a hard look at monthly expenses. Do you really need six streaming subscriptions, fancy lattes, and impulse buys? Cut back and redirect that cash to actual experiences, not your couch cushions.
Example: Cancelling one subscription and skipping a weekly coffee saved me £40/month enough for a hostel in Prague.
9. Plan Quick and Affordable Getaways
Affordable weekend trips
Weekend trips, camping, or road trips: small adventures with minimal spending. Who says you need a plane ticket to have fun? Local adventures can be just as memorable and weigh less stressful on your wallet.
Example: A £50 weekend camping trip Hampshire gave me stories to tell for months.
Tools/Resources:
- AllTrails – find local hikes and camping spots.
- Roadtrippers – plan affordable road trips with scenic stops.
10. Mix Work and Travel
Travel while working
If your job allows, try telecommuting, workcations, or business trips. Some companies offer travel perks take advantage of them. Finally, your boss can pay for your next adventure… kind of.
Example: My bestie (yes, the same friend who used to think “vacation” was just a mythical word HR made up—if you haven’t read her story, check out “From Burnout to Bliss: My Friend’s 3-Day Solo Trip to Venice Changed Her Life)” managed to turn a boring business trip to Amsterdam into a cheeky mini-vacation. She tacked on two extra days, swapped spreadsheets for stroopwafels, and spent her time cruising canals and frolicking through tulip fields like she was auditioning for a perfume commercial.
Common Questions About Traveling While in Debt
Q: Can I really travel if I have credit card debt?
A: Yes! Start small, budget wisely, and use travel rewards. Avoid new debt for travel.
Q: How can I fund travel without impacting debt payments?
A: Use side hustles, cut unnecessary spending, and allocate a fixed percentage of income for trips.
Q: What’s the best tool to track travel spending and debt?
A: Apps like YNAB or Mint keep you on track automatically.
Concluding Thoughts
Traveling while paying off debt is not a myth. With careful planning, smart budgeting, and strategic use of rewards and discounts, you can enjoy epic adventures without your finances going into panic mode.
Question for Readers:
What’s your funniest or most budget-friendly travel hack? Share it in the comments below—we could all use a laugh!
What’s your number one travel tip for staying within budget?
Tell us in the comments!
